Seven Myths About Your Period

Myth #1: Your period will always show up at the same time every month.Most women have this figured out within the first few months of having a period, but it still raises some concerned voices from the younger crowd. No, your period will not show up at the exact same time every month, and sometimes it may not show up at all every once in a while if you are new to menstruating. Your period can be assisted in becoming regulated by taking birth control pills, which can also help in relieving severe cramps.


Myth #2: You can't swim while on your period.
This is a myth, as you can swim while on your period; however, you should take precautions before doing so. Your flow will slow down dramatically when you are immersed in water (or at least will usually slow dramatically unless you have a very heavy flow), so it is possible to swim while on your period. Some women use pads in the pool, which actually is not sanitary, nor is it useful because the pad becomes waterlogged and pointless. If you want to use some form of protection in the water, use a tampon. Beware when you get out of the water, though, because your flow could start right back up and make a mess down your legs.

Myth #3: You can't get pregnant when you're on your period.
I don't know who made this one up, but ladies, it's not true. You can very well get pregnant even when you're on your period.

Myth #4: You can take birth control pills with the intent of stopping your period.
This question has come up very often on a site called Yahoo answers, and here are the facts: It is very unhealthy, and even dangerous, to take medication with the intent of stopping your period for a weekend or what have you. Do not do this! It's true that some forms of birth control, such as the injections, will sometimes stop your flow or make you miss periods, but birth control should be used responsibly. It's too bad if you want a weekend in the sheets with your boyfriend when you're on your period - find something else to do if you aren't comfortable with having sex while on your period.

Myth #5: You can't have sex while on your period.
Hm, this point was pretty much covered in myth #3, but I will reiterate it. Yes, you can have sex while you are on your period. There are even little cup products designed specifically for these occasions, or you can just love it up in the shower. Make sure that you're both comfortable, though, or you might have him running for the hills.



Myth #6: The brown gunk means that you're unhealthy.
Not usually, no. The brown stuff that you might experience either before or after your period is just your body doing some spring cleaning. Unless it has a vile smell to it, you're probably okay.

Myth #7: You can't use tampons if you're a virgin.
This myth is so untrue that I wonder who the witch was who made it up. Yes, you can use tampons if you're a virgin. It's recommended to start out with the smallest size to adjust to the feeling and process. Keep in mind, though, that it is possible to break your hymen through tampon use, and tampons are also associated with TSS (Toxic Shock Syndrome), which can be fatal.